Ben Morgan was searching for a way to get in shape, so he decided to give rock climbing a try,
even though some people consider it more recreation than exercise.

“For me, it was a no-brainer,” said Morgan, 27, a self-employed consultant from Columbus who
says he now climbs at least once a week. Indoor gyms such as Vertical Adventures on Columbus’ North
Side, which opened in 1994, have made it readily available for those looking to take their workouts
to new heights.

But one fitness expert warned that climbing might not be a “truly great” exercise.

“It’s healthier to use climbing as a supplement to things like cardio and weights,” said Steven
T. Devor, an assistant professor of sport and exercise physiology at Ohio State University.

Most climbers know that, he said. But newbies who think it’s purely recreational and then
realize that they are getting a good workout might start to think, “This is fitness,” Devor
said.

From a fitness standpoint, rock climbing builds strong muscles in the legs, health experts said.
It also increases your heart rate and is good for overall cardiovascular health.

Mentally, rock climbing provides problem-solving and stress relief.

“Just being able to shut yourself off for an hour or so, that in and of itself is a big health
benefit,” Devor said.Vertical Adventures at 6295 Busch Blvd. offers private training sessions for
$40 an hour.

“Some people are conditioned to believe that they need instruction, and we never say, ‘No, no,
you’re not allowed to have it,’ ” said Alexi Roccos, the gym’s founder and CEO. “But the great
thing about climbing ... is that you don’t really need anyone to tell you a right way to do it,
beyond doing it safely.”

Vertical Adventures offers $29 introductory classes that focus on safety and are mandatory for
most climbers at the gym. Scioto Audubon Metro Park on the Whittier Peninsula southwest of Downtown
offers what it considers to be a similar course at no charge. Because of the built-in health
benefits, Audubon doesn’t offer exercise-centered classes, said Dan Kaderly, an assistant manager
at the park. Climbers must bring their own ropes and equipment.

Troy Brummel, who works for a Columbus architecture firm and volunteers at Audubon’s monthly
rock-climbing lessons, said he used to work out at Vertical Adventures but now climbs the Audubon
wall.

“We just come here,” said Brummel, 24, who often climbs with his wife, Heather. “It’s the same
except it’s outdoors and free.”